A study conducted by the Pew Research Center released 11 October reveals an evolving landscape of Buddhist adherence among Asian American adults. The research, comparing data from 2012 and 2023, shows that while the number of Asian American adults formally identifying as Buddhists has seen a slight decline, a significant proportion still maintains a strong connection to Buddhist culture and heritage.
The study, which followed over 7,000 participants over the course of a year, found that Asian Americans are part of the growing demographic of Americans known as “nones,” claiming no particular religious affiliation. For instance, in 2012, 26 per cent of Asian Americans identified as having no religion, whereas in 2023 that number has risen to 32 per cent.
Researchers caution readers from over-interpreting the results of surveys like this, as they are often based in Judeo-Christian frameworks of what counts as religion and religious practice.
Interviews after the 2012 study, Sharon Suh, a Buddhism scholar and chair of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Seattle University, noted that, “This is one of those classic apples to oranges questions: How do you ask about God in a tradition that has no Creator-God? Asian-American Buddhists practice their religion in very different ways — it’s not always how frequently one prays.” (The Washington Post)
In 2012, 14 per cent of Asian American adults claimed Buddhism as their religion. However, this year the figure has decreased to 11 per cent. 21 per cent of respondents in the 2023 study said they feel closely connected to Buddhism for reasons such as ancestry or culture, despite not formally identifying as Buddhists. This accounts for a total of one-third of Asian Americans expressing some level of connection to Buddhism.
A deeper examination of the data reveals notable differences among specific Asian American…
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